Deputy US Secretary of State Richard Armitage yesterday criticized Taiwan's plans for a referendum on relations with China, saying it raises questions about the motives of the plebiscite's backers.
"I think it raises some questions about the motives of those who want to put it forward," he told reporters in Beijing after meetings with Chinese leaders, including Premier Wen Jiabao (溫家寶).
"The position of the United States on this is that we're studying this very carefully and it's not just the written words that would be in front of one on the paper, but it's the context of them and how they're used domestically," he said.
Armitage characterized the situation as "very fluid" and said the US is "opposed to any unilateral action which alters the status quo by either side."
In the referendum, the voters will be asked whether Taiwan should beef up its defenses against China's military threat and whether the government should start negotiations for peaceful coexistence.
The wording of the referendum is watered down from an earlier version asking China to withdraw missiles pointing towards the nation.
Armitage's comments appeared stronger in their criticism of Taiwan than remarks made last month by US President George W. Bush.
Receiving Wen in Washington, Bush said "the comments and actions made by the leader of Taiwan indicate that he may be willing to make decisions unilaterally to change the status quo, which we oppose."
Armitage suggested yesterday that election tactics could be the reason why Taiwan's leadership is moving ahead with its referendum plans despite the US words of caution.
"There is an election campaign going on," he said. "That may have something do with it."
Armitage said that -- American respect for Taiwan's democracy notwithstanding -- the referendum did "raise questions."
"As I understand it, referenda are generally reserved for items or issues which are either very divisive or very difficult," he said.
"And the wording I've seen of the referendum seems to be neither divisive nor difficult," he said.
Armitage said he did not get assurances while meeting leading officials in Beijing that China would not seek to ratchet up tensions with Taiwan in the run-up to the referendum.
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